Which step is part of the recovery sequence from vortex ring state?

Which step is part of the recovery sequence from vortex ring state?

• A. Apply forward cyclic only
• B. Apply forward cyclic to increase forward airspeed, then reduce collective
• C. Pull back on cyclic and hold
• D. Throttle to idle

Answer: (B)

When a helicopter descends into its own downwash at very low forward airspeed, the rotor is surrounded by turbulent, rising air that robs lift. The way out is to get the rotor into cleaner air and rebuild rotor RPM. Pushing the cyclic forward increases forward airspeed, pulling the rotor out of the stagnant inflow and helping the rotor generate thrust again. Once you’ve gained that forward speed, easing the collective down reduces the rotor’s thrust requirement, helping to prevent further loss of rotor RPM and allowing a stable return to flight. This sequence—gain airspeed first, then reduce collective—is what breaks the vortex ring condition and restores lift. Pushing forward cyclic alone won’t relieve the improper inflow; pulling back on the cyclic worsens the situation by increasing angle of attack and descent; throttling to idle removes engine power needed to support rotor speed and is not a recovery step.

When a helicopter descends into its own downwash at very low forward airspeed, the rotor is surrounded by turbulent, rising air that robs lift. The way out is to get the rotor into cleaner air and rebuild rotor RPM. Pushing the cyclic forward increases forward airspeed, pulling the rotor out of the stagnant inflow and helping the rotor generate thrust again. Once you’ve gained that forward speed, easing the collective down reduces the rotor’s thrust requirement, helping to prevent further loss of rotor RPM and allowing a stable return to flight. This sequence—gain airspeed first, then reduce collective—is what breaks the vortex ring condition and restores lift. Pushing forward cyclic alone won’t relieve the improper inflow; pulling back on the cyclic worsens the situation by increasing angle of attack and descent; throttling to idle removes engine power needed to support rotor speed and is not a recovery step.